Air Tahiti Nui’s revamped business-class cabin is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner just before the carrier flew it away from Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s revamped business-class cabin is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner just before the carrier flew it away from Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s revamped business-class cabin is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner just before the carrier flew it away from Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Fabienne Nieuwjaer, who has worked with Air Tahiti Nui since its first flight, performed flight-attendant duties for the two-dozen passengers on the delivery flight for the company's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s new premium economy cabin, which features a 2-3-2 layout, is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s new premium economy cabin, which features a 2-3-2 layout, is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s new premium economy cabin, which features a 2-3-2 layout, is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s new premium economy cabin, which features a 2-3-2 layout, is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

One of the engines of Air Tahiti Nui's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner is seen just before the carrier flew the jet away from Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

The tail and rear fuselage of Air Tahiti Nui's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner was seen before the carrier flew it away from Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s new premium economy cabin, which features a 2-3-2 layout, is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s revamped business-class cabin is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner just before the carrier flew it away from Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s new premium economy cabin, which features a 2-3-2 layout, is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s new premium economy cabin, which features a 2-3-2 layout, is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s revamped business-class cabin is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner just before the carrier flew it away from Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s revamped business-class cabin is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner just before the carrier flew it away from Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s new premium economy cabin, which features a 2-3-2 layout, is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s new premium economy cabin, which features a 2-3-2 layout, is seen on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Boeing's South Carolina assembly line on Oct. 9, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner had an unusual routing on its way to Tahiti from Boeing’s South Carolina facility on Oct. 9, 2018. It flew from Charleston to Oklahoma City so that a new set of the airline’s pilots could perform a takeoff and landing en route to Los Angeles. It was then scheduled to fly to Tahiti on Oct. 13, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti Nui’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner had an unusual routing on its way to Tahiti from Boeing’s South Carolina facility on Oct. 9, 2018. It flew from Charleston to Oklahoma City so that a new set of the airline’s pilots could perform a takeoff and landing en route to Los Angeles. It was then scheduled to fly to Tahiti on Oct. 13, 2018. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

LOS ANGELES – Air Tahiti Nui may be a small airline, but it’s turning to Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner to fill a big role as the carrier tries to elevate its standing on the global stage.

Air Tahiti Nui flew away with its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on Wednesday, taking delivery of the first of four that will join its fleet.

The plane left from Boeing’s Delivery Center in North Charleston, South Carolina, taking off on the first leg of its ferry flight to Air Tahiti Nui’s base in the French Polynesian capital of Papeete.

The airline says its “Tahitian Dreamliners” will underpin a massive revitalization effort underway at the small carrier. Air Tahiti Nui currently flies a fleet of five aging, fuel-guzzling Airbus A340 jets.

By next fall, all of those A340s will be replaced by the carrier’s newly arriving Dreamliners.

“As a small niche airline, it will be a way to differentiate ourselves from the big global airlines,” Mathieu Bechonnet, Air Tahiti Nui’s managing director, said of what the 787 and airline's new cabin interior will do for the carrier.

“It was fundamental for us,” Bechonnet added during an interview Wednesday onboard the carrier’s first Dreamliner as the jet was being ferried from Boeing’s South Carolina assembly line to Los Angeles en route to its final destination.

Airline crew walk in front of the aircraft ahead of a special ceremony to celebrate Vietnam Airlines' first Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Washington's Reagan National Airport on July 6, 2015. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Economy class seat-back entertainment screens on Vietnam Airlines' first Boeing 787 Dreamliner as seen during a special ceremony at Washington's Reagan National Airport on July 6, 2015. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY

A lavatory with a baby-changing area in the economy cabin of Vietnam Airlines' first Boeing 787 Dreamliner is seen during a special ceremony at Washington's Reagan National Airport on July 6, 2015. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

“To be such a small airline, to make such a big move, we’re very proud. What makes the difference is the product.”

That “product” – the onboard experience for passengers – has been completely overhauled for Air Tahiti Nui’s new 787s.

They’ll have the same number of seats as the carrier’s current A340s, but the 787s will feature a completely new cabin that will dramatically improve the airline’s competitive offerings on flights to Tahiti.

Air Tahiti Nui’s 294-passenger Dreamliners will include 30 seats in business class that recline into full-flat beds. Arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration, the updated business-class seats are a marked improvement from the carrier’s angled-flat seats currently on its A340s.

The window seats will not have direct-aisle access, something that’s becoming the standard on top-tier airlines. But Bechonnet says it didn’t make sense for Air Tahiti Nui to lay out the cabin to accommodate that since about three-quarters of the carrier’s business-class customers are couples traveling together. And, all other business-class seats – the entire middle row plus the other two sets of aisle seats – are all directly on the aisle.

Air Tahiti Nui also is introducing a new “Moana Premium” international-style premium economy section. The 32 recliner seats in the cabin are arranged in a 2-3-2 layout, giving customers a midtier offering that's positioned (and priced) between economy and business-class options.

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Skytrax, a U.K.-based travel consultancy that runs what it calls "the world's largest review site," determines the winners of its World Airline Awards from reviews by more than 24 million passengers that represent more than 100 countries. Here are the top 20 from Skytrax's list of the top 100 airlines ... Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

Crew of Singapore Airlines' Boeing 787-10 delivery flight pose for a picture amid a staff change during a technical stop in Osaka, Japan, on March 28, 2018. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

Felicia, a flight attendant with Singapore Airlines, takes a break to soak in the northern lights on a Boeing 787-10 delivery flight over Canada on March 27, 2018. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

A flight attendant prepares meals for passengers aboard Boeing's first 787-10 delivery to launch customer Singapore Airlines, on March 26, 2018 during its ferry flight to Singapore. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

Amanda Woods (center, in red), from Sydney, Australia, and Amanda Keenan from Perth, Australia, check in for the delivery flight Boeing's first Boeing 787-10 jetliner at the company's S.C., delivery center on March 26, 2018. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

Capt. Alan Chan walks down the jetbridge, ready to fly Boeing's first 787-10 jetliner delivery, for Singapore Airlines, in Charleston, S.C., on March 26, 2018. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

Capts. Alan Chan (left) and Bosco Xavier, both with Singapore Airlines, prep their company's first Boeing 787-10 jetliner for its delivery flight from Boeing's South Carolina assembly plant on March 26, 2018. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

Singapore Airlines (SIA) world's first Boeing 787-10 aircraft taxis to the terminal after its arrival to Singapore from Boeing's production facility in North Charleston, S.C., on March 28, 2018. Roslan Rahman, AFP/Getty Images

Executives with Singapore Airlines and Boeing do a little mid-flight yoga while aboard Singapore Airlines' Boeing 787-10 delivery flight on March 28, 2018. Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong is seen second from the right. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

Flight attendants prepare for the second leg of Boeing's first 787-10 delivery to launch customer Singapore Airlines, on March 28, 2018 during its ferry flight to Singapore. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong checks in for the delivery flight of his airline's first Boeing 787-10 jetliner at Boeing's S.C., delivery center on March 26, 2018. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

Flight attendants make small paper cranes for passengers aboard Singapore Airlines' first Boeing 787-10 while on its delivery flight to Singapore on March 28, 2018. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY

Media take pictures of Singapore Airlines (SIA) first Boeing 787-10 aircraft with a water cannon salute upon its arrival to Singapore from Boeing's production facility in North Charleston, S.C., on March 28, 2018. Roslan Rahman, AFP/Getty Images

A small Singapore Airlines-branded teddy bear awaits a human to snuggle up with in the economy cabin of the airline's first Boeing 787-10 delivery. The airline flew the jet from Boeing's South Carolina assembly plant to Singapore on March 26, 2018. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

Passengers in the economy cabin chat during some down time aboard Boeing's first 787-10 delivery to launch customer Singapore Airlines, on March 26, 2018 during its ferry flight to Singapore. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

The northern lights appear on the horizon, visible clearly from a Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10 on its ferry flight from the Boeing factory to Singapore on March 27, 2018. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

Singapore Airlines (SIA) world's first Boeing 787-10 aircraft parked at the terminal in Singapore Changi Airport after its arrival from Boeing's production facility in North Charleston, S.C., on March 28, 2018. Roslan Rahman, AFP/Getty Images

A passenger in economy enjoys dinner aboard Boeing's first 787-10 delivery to launch customer Singapore Airlines, on March 26, 2018 during its ferry flight to Singapore. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

With only some 60 passengers aboard, even those in economy had room to spread out aboard Boeing's first 787-10 delivery to launch customer Singapore Airlines, on March 26, 2018 during its ferry flight to Singapore. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

Workers restock Boeing's first 787-10 delivery to launch customer Singapore Airlines during a stopover in Osaka, Japan, while en route to Singapore on March 28, 2018. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

Workers restock Boeing's first 787-10 delivery to launch customer Singapore Airlines during a stopover in Osaka, Japan, while en route to Singapore on March 28, 2018. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY

A starter plate of fresh fruit awaits a business class passenger aboard Singapore Airlines' first Boeing 787-10 while on its delivery flight to Singapore on March 28, 2018. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY

The waters of the South China Sea stretch for miles around as Singapore Airlines' first Boeing 787-10 jetliner, fresh from the factory, starts its initial descent into Singapore Changi Airport on March 28. 2018. Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY

Singapore Airlines (SIA) welcomes the world's first Boeing 787-10 aircraft (in the air) as it approaches Singapore's Changi Airport after its flight from Boeing's production facility in North Charleston, S.C. Roslan Rahman, AFP/Getty Images

Singapore Airlines (SIA) world's first Boeing 787-10 aircraft taxis to the terminal in Singapore after its arrival from Boeing's production facility in North Charleston, S.C., on March 28, 2018. Roslan Rahman, AFP/Getty Images

Air Tahiti Nui also used its new state-of-the-art Dreamliners to introduce new style elements onto its planes. The front boarding door features wood-style floors. Through the rest of the plane are images of Tahiti and Polynesian-inspired art.

With Air Tahiti Nui associated almost exclusively with its home market, Bechonnet says it’s part of an effort to create an “immersive” experience that connects customers to Tahiti as soon as they set foot on the aircraft.

As for Wednesday’s flight, it was an unusual one.

For starters, there were only about two dozen passengers aboard – mostly Air Tahiti Nui employees, plus a few journalists and other invited guests.

And, in what could be an interesting trivia question someday, Air Tahiti Nui’s first Dreamliner flight after delivery from Boeing was from Charleston to Oklahoma City, where the aircraft made a brief stop en route to Los Angeles. The stop was to allow Air Tahiti Nui to swap in a new set of pilots, allowing them to get another “cycle” (takeoff and landing) as the airline’s crews look to boost their hours on the plane before it enters passenger service in November.

The plane arrived in Los Angeles late Wednesday afternoon, and plans were for it to continue on to Tahiti on Saturday (Oct. 13).

Virgin Atlantic named its first Dreamliner "Birthday Girl" in honor of the carrier's 30th anniversary. The carrier began flying between London and Newark in the summer of 1983. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

This 'wander wall' at the front of Virgin Atlantic's Premium Economy section gives passengers an option for an in-flight stroll. The carrier plans to stock it with newspapers, drinks and snacks. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Air Tahiti’s first Boeing 787 flight with paying passengers is scheduled to come Nov. 7, when the airline puts the aircraft on its routes connecting Tahiti’s main airport to both Los Angeles and Auckland, New Zealand.

The second of Air Tahiti Nui’s 787s is expected to arrive in January. All four should be in the fleet by August 2019.

It will mark a big upgrade not only for Air Tahiti Nui’s customers but also for the small carrier – which also celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

One of those onboard the first flight who could speak to the evolution was Fabienne Nieuwjaer, an Air Tahiti Nui employee who has been with the airline since its first flight in November 1998.

Nieuwjaer, now Air Tahiti Nui’s Deputy Cabin Crew Manager – Standards and Procedures, was on the aircraft to help perform flight attendant duties for the small number of passengers.

Her pride in Air Tahiti Nui’s splashy new plane was evident.

“This is the best product we could imagine to get,” Nieuwjaer said as the flight neared Los Angeles. “It’s not the story of one person, but the story of our company. We are proud of what we made.”

Where Air Tahiti Nui flies

Air Tahiti Nui serves five destinations, including its main hub near the French Polynesian capital of Papeete on the island of Tahiti. From there, Air Tahiti Nui flies to Los Angeles, Tokyo Narita and Auckland, New Zealand. Air Tahiti Nui also flies to Paris Charles de Gaulle from Los Angeles, selling the route separately or as a one-stop option between Paris and Tahiti.

The signature tower and mobile lounges of Washington Dulles are seen in the background as Royal Air Maroc's inaugural arrival from Casablanca pulls to the gate on Sept. 9, 2016. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

In-flight entertainment controls are seen in the business-class cabin of Royal Air Maroc’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner prior to the carrier’s inaugural departure from Washington Dulles on Sept. 8, 2016. J. David Buerk

Passengers on Royal Air Maroc's inaugural flight from Washington Dulles on Sept. 8, 2016, received a gift bag filled with souvenirs commemorating the airline's first D.C. flight. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

The airline crew, Morocco's Ambassador to the U.S., and Dulles officials commemorated Royal Air Maroc's inaugural departure from Washington Dulles with a gate-side ribbon-cutting on Sept. 8, 2016. J. David Buerk

Korean Air’s first class cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. The first and business class cabins are the same, with Korean saying the difference between the cabins will be in its service levels. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s business class cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s business class cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s economy cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s economy cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is seen during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 factory in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. A C-17 military aircraft treated onlookers when it flew within view of the 787. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

The red carpet is rolled out at Boeing's delivery center in North Charleston, S.C., in preparation for the delivery ceremony of Korean Air's first 787-9 Dreamliner on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air pilots and other crew look on at Boeing's delivery center in North Charleston, S.C., in preparation for the delivery ceremony of Korean Air's first 787-9 Dreamliner on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

The red carpet is rolled out at Boeing's delivery center in North Charleston, S.C., in preparation for the delivery ceremony of Korean Air's first 787-9 Dreamliner on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Boeing and Korean Air executives show off paperwork signifying the formal delivery and transfer of Korean Air's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s first class cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. The first and business class seats will be the same, but Korean says cabins will be differentiated by service levels. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

The red carpet is rolled out at Boeing's delivery center in North Charleston, S.C., in preparation for the delivery ceremony of Korean Air's first 787-9 Dreamliner on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

The red carpet is rolled out at Boeing's delivery center in North Charleston, S.C., in preparation for the delivery ceremony of Korean Air's first 787-9 Dreamliner on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s economy cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s economy cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s economy cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s economy cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s economy cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s economy cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s economy cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s economy cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s economy cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s first class cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s first class cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. The first and business class cabins are the same, with Korean saying the difference between the cabins will be in its service levels. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s first class cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. The first and business class cabins are the same, with Korean saying the difference between the cabins will be in its service levels. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s business class cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s business class cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s economy cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s business class cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Korean Air’s business class cabin is seen as the carrier showed off its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during delivery ceremony festivities at Boeing’s 787 facilities in North Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 22, 2017. Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY